Chromatic harmonica rack

ABSTRACT

This device consist primarily of a rack which supports a chromatic harmonica, a microphone, a pivotable lever and rhythm device. The device includes a spring loaded foot pedal which pivots the lever so that it may strike the valve head and the travel of the rhythm stroke of the lever is limited by spring return means of the harmonica valve head.

United States Patent [191 Gerbetz [4 June 25, 1974 CHROMATIC HARMONICA RACK [76] Inventor: William Gerbetz, Rt. 1, Box 32511,

Red Oak, Tex. 75154 [22] Filed: Sept, 6, 1973 ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 394,853

This device consist primarily of a rack which supports a chromatic harmonica, a microphone, a pivotable (SI. lever and rhythm device The device includes a spring 58] Field 378 379 loaded foot pedal which pivots the lever so that it may 6 strike the valve head and the travel of the rhythm stroke of the lever is limited by spring return means of l 56] Reerences Cited the harmonica valve head.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS The Music Trade Review, February, 1932.

6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 1 CHROMATIC HARMONICA RACK This device relates to musical instruments, andmore particularly to a chromatic harmonica rack.

It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide a chromatic harmonica rack which will extend the scope and musical talent of the preformer using a chromatic harmonica by utilizing a system of levers, cable, and a foot pedal to operate the harmonica valve, thus freeing the preformers hands so as to enable the preformer to play another instrument, such as, a bass guitar, a guitar or other instrument.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described, which will challenge the the skill of a musician and the device will include a rack in which a harmonica is attached by screw fasteners in the ends of the harmonica and a lever aligned with the harmonica valve head so that is to operate the harmonica valve.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described, which will include a bell or bells attached to the leverso as to create a rhythm effect and the device includes foot pedal means with string means for operating the lever.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a harmonica rack which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prespective view of the present invention showing a microphone in phantom;

FIG. 2 is an elevated and enlarged view of the invention of FIG. 1;

F 1G. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the invention.

According to this invention, a rack 11 having spaced apart legs 11a, provides support means for a chromatic harmonica 12 which is held removabily therein rack 11, by means of a pair of screw fasteners 13. A pivotable lever 14 is carried upon pin 15. A bolt fastener 16 is secured within one end of lever 14 by means of a nut fastener 17. The bolt fastener 16 serves as a means of urging against the harmonica valve head 18. A flexible cable 19 is secured to lever 14 and is carried within casing 20 which is secured fixedly to rack 11. A foot pedal 21 is pivotably secured to base 22 by means of hinge 23 in front of a heel enclosing an extending member 24 which prevents misalignment of the user foot with pedal 21. A bolt fastener 25 is secured to base 22 and receives a nut fastener 26 which provides for adjustment means of the spring 27 carried within spring cups 28. A hinge 29 is fixedly secured to one end of base 22 and enables the terminal end of cable 19 to align itself with foot pedal 21. A sleeve 30 carring the casing 20 of cable 19, is secured to hinge 29 by means of fastener 30a.

A spring 31 is secured at one end to lever 14 and at its opposite end is secured fixedly to a bell 32 which serves as a rhythm effect when pedal 21 moves lever 14. A microphone 34 is releaseably attached to rack 11 by bracket 35, and rack 11, and its contained harmonica 12, are supported from the neck of the user by means of a loop 36 which is fastened to rack 11.

It will be noted that nut fastener 26 of bolt 25 upon base 22, serves as adjustment means for the travel of cable 19 and its attached lever 14.

It shall further be noted that the cable 34a of microphone 34 extends downwards to base 22 of foot pedal 21.

What I now claim is:

1. A rack for holding a chromatic harmonica, said harmonica having a spring biased valve, comprising: a rack; means for supporting said rack in a playing position; means for fastening a chromatic harmonica to said rack; a pivotable lever carried by said rack having means thereon for moving said valve against said bias; a foot pedal; and a flexible cable connecting said foot pedal and said lever for actuating said lever to move said valve.

2. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a metal loop adapted to be received on the neck of the user so as to support said rack in front of the user.

3. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said lever has a spring and bell attached thereto for providing a rhythm sound effect when said lever is moved.

4. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said rack has a microphone attached thereto.

5. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said foot pedal has ad- 40 justable means coacting therewith for controlling the 

1. A rack for holding a chromatic harmonica, said harmonica having a spring biased valve, comprising: a rack; means for supporting said rack in a playing position; means for fastening a chromatic harmonica to said rack; a pivotable lever carried by said rack having means thereon for moving said valve against said bias; a foot pedal; and a flexible cable connecting said foot pedal and said lever for actuating said lever to move said valve.
 2. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a metal loop adapted to be received on the neck of the user so as to support said rack in front of the user.
 3. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said lever has a spring and bell attached thereto for providing a rhythm sound effect when said lever is moved.
 4. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said rack has a microphone attached thereto.
 5. A rack as in claim 1 wherein said foot pedal has adjustable means coacting therewith for controlling the stroke of said cable.
 6. A rack as in claim 5 wherein said foot pedal comprises a base having first and second ends, a foot pedal member hingedly connected at one end thereof to said first end of said base, the other end of said member being connected to said cable, and said adjustable means comprising a first cup connected to said cable beneath said other end of said member, a second cup adjustably mounted on a bolt secured to said second end of said base, and a spring carried within said first and second cups. 